With autumn approaching, apples are once again one of the most popular fruits in Portugal, both to eat and to grow. But there’s a simple trick that can make all the difference: if you store them right, apples can stay fresh until spring.
According to gardening expert Michael Griffiths, the secret lies in an item that almost everyone has at home: newsprint. The horticulturist explained, in a video that went viral on TikTok, that wrapping apples individually in sheets of newspaper is one of the most effective ways of preserving them during the winter, according to the British newspaper Daily Express.
“If you have a good harvest of late apples, harvested from November onwards, you can store them during the winter. The ideal is to keep them in a cold, but not freezing, dark and slightly damp place, such as a garage, an outbuilding or a cellar”, he explained.
The newspaper method
Before you start storing the apples, it is important to check that they have no damage, stains or signs of insects. Only fruit in perfect condition should be stored. The method is simple: just wrap each apple in a sheet of newspaper and place them gently on a tray or shelf.
The advantage is that, even though they are close together, the apples do not touch directly. This helps prevent one spoiled fruit from contaminating the rest. However, as air does not circulate easily between them, it is necessary to periodically check for signs of deterioration.
Alternative with shelves
Michael Griffiths also recommends a second technique for those who have more space: storing apples on shelves or racks, without them touching each other. This method allows for better air circulation and makes it easier to inspect the fruit. The disadvantage is that it requires more storage area.
The most important thing, in both cases, is to ensure that the apples are not wet and that the stalk (the stem) remains intact, details that help to prolong freshness, says the same source.
Why does it work?
Apples naturally release a gas called ethylene, responsible for accelerating ripening. By wrapping each one in newspaper, this gas is contained, reducing the risk of one fruit ripening and spoiling the rest.
Furthermore, the paper helps maintain the right level of humidity, preventing the apples from drying out or rotting quickly. Stored in a cool, dry place, away from other foods, they can keep for several months.
An old tip that is gaining prominence again
Michael Griffiths’ video received hundreds of appreciative comments from gardeners and fruit lovers, according to . Many recognized that, despite being an old technique, it is surprisingly effective and environmentally friendly.
With the harvest season coming to an end, this tip is especially useful for those who want to make the most of the flavor of homegrown apples, keeping them fresh, tasty and ready to eat until well after winter.
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